Automatic telephone dial system



Nov. 21, 1944. J. LOBEL AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE DIAL SYSTEM 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 20, 1942 mfv NroR.

AT ORNEY Nov. 21, 1944. -J LOBEL 2,363,428

AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE DIAL SYSTEM Filed 001,- 20, 1942 3 Sheets-Sheet. 2

INVENTOR. Jasepk L069! ATTORNE NOV. 21, 1944. J LOBEL AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE DIAL SYSTEM Filed Oct. 20, 1942 3 SheetsSheet I5 I N VENT OR. Jasq h Mel M A T TOR/VEY Patented Nov. 21, 1944 UNITED STATE PATENT OFFICE AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE DIAL SYSTEM Joseph Lobel, Bronx, Y. 2 Application October 2-0, 1942, Serial No. 462,672

I 6 Claims. (01. 179 90) This invention relates to new and usefulimprovements in an automatic telephone dial system.

More particularly, the invention proposes a system whereby each one of a selected group of telephone numbers may be dialed by depressing but one button.' It is proposed that a device embodying this new system be hooked up with the telephone circuit of a dial telephone, and that it have a plurality of depressible buttons, and

I that each button represent a. particular telephone i number.

pressing and releasing the buttons. This contrasts with the present system whereby the dial must be operatedseven times to call a number.

These numbers may be called by dey For further comprehension of the invention,

and of the objectsand advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.--

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure-- Fig. 1 is a perspective View of an automatic telephone calling device constructed according to this invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary'enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig.2.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary Vertical sectional view taken across the back of the front wall of one of the switches shown in Fig. 2, this View being as though taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical sectional View taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. '6.

Fig. 6 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line S6 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view shown in Fig. 6.

, Fig. 8 is a fragmentary vertical sectional View takenon the line 88 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 9 is a schematic device. I I

The automatic telephone dial system, in accordancewiththis invention, includes a, plurality of one of the parts wiring diagram 'of'the of selectively depressible code rods II) of electric conductive material having a plurality of spaced insulation pieces II along their lengthsrepresenting different telephone numbers. Each code rod I0 threadedly engages through a pair of spaced collars I2. These collars I2 each have a pair of projecting 'lugs I3 which sli-dably engage in inclined slots l 4 formed in a pair of flanges I5 which project from the inner face-of a cylinwards. 2i through which depressible buttons 22 extend. There is one button for each code rod I9. These der I6. This cylinder I6 is mounted upon a frame I! which is supported in a cylindrical box or container I8. Springs I9 are connected with the collars I2 and with pins 20'mounted upon the cylinder I6 for normally urging the code rods ID up- The container I8 is provided with a'cover buttons 22 have stems 23 of insulation material which rests upon the tops of the code rods I0. Adjacent to each button 22 there is a small frame 24 mounted on the cover 2| for a name plate with a telephone number. The buttons 22 may be depressed one at a time each, for calling a number, as will become clear as this specification proceeds.

Dashpotdampened solenoid operative means is'provided for catching and holding depressed any one of the code rods II]. eludes a solenoid 25 for each code rod II] which is mounted upon the cylinder I6. Each solenoid This means in- 25 has an extendable core plunger 26, the front end of which is provided with a piece of insulation 21 which engages against the side of the code rod I0. Each metering rod Iil has a circumferential groove 28 which is aligned with the end 21 .of'its solenoid ,rod 26 when the code rod I0 is in its depressed position. The code rod I0 at the right isv shown engaged and held depressed by the core 26of the solenoid 25. The code rod I0 at the left is shown in its raised position.-

. 25 is energized, the rod 26 and piston 30 may move forwards rapidly. During this action the rubber disc 32 flexes, allowing the air to pass from the innerend of the cylinder 29 to the outer end. However, the spring 3I can move the piston 39 outwards ata. slow rate only, depending on the entrance of air into the inner end of the cylinder 29 through bleed openings 32 in the valve disc 32. 'The'dashpots 28 are supported on a partition, mounted within the container I8.

An electric motor driven conductor 35 is adapted to move along the depressed code rod I9 and alternately engages portions of said rod I0 and its insulation pieces II. This conductor 35 comprises a conductor ring which is mounted upon an annular insulation member 36 held slidably and non-rotative by a stationary rod 31' and which threadedly engages a screw 3'l rotatively supported and driven by a motor 38. The slot M of the flanges l5 slopes downwards and towards the screw 31. The arrangement is such that in the depressed position of the code rod ID, the conductor 35 engages against its side.

The motor 38 is controlled by a reversing switch 39 which is operated by a rod 40 slidably supported in bearings 4| which are mounted upon the cylinder H5. The rod 46 is provided with an inturned top end 4| and which is engaged by the annular member 36 when it is in its top position. The rod 46 is also provided with a projection 43 which is engaged by the annular member 36 when it is substantially in its bottom position.

Beneath each code rod l there is a combination start and stop switch 44. This switch 44 has a depressible head 45, which when depressed closes the switch. It is also provided with a laterally projecting lever 46, which when depressed opens the switch. A spring 41 normally urges the head 45 into a raised position. Another spring 48 normally urges the lever 46 into a raised position. The motor 38 is associated with a normally open start switch 49 which is closed by a projection 50 on one of the cores 26 of one of the solenoids 25 when the solenoid is deenergized.

There is another stop switch for the electric motor 38. This switch 5| is located upon the frame I! at a position to be engaged by a projecting rod 52 mounted on. the annular insulation member 36. The annular insulation member 36 is also provided with downwardly extending rods 53 which are adapted to strike the levers 46 for operating the switches 44 when the annular member 36 is in its bottom position. The switch 5| has a head 54 which must be lifted to open the switch. A spring 55 urges the head 54 downwards. The 54 is connected with a conductor 56 which in a closedposition of the switch engages the contacts 5! for closing the circuit through the switch. Each code rod I0 is provided with contacts 58 engageable with an insulated conductor plate 59 located at the bottom of the cylinder l6 and comprising a ground connection for the device and separated from the cylinder |6 by an insulation ring l6.

Each code rod may be disengaged from the collars l2 merely by unscrewing it When removed, nuts HJ at the bottom portions of the code rods may be unscrewed. This frees the insulation pieces The insulation pieces II are merely in the form of insulation rings. They are separated from each other by conductor material rings ||l which directly. engage the code rod I6 so that there is a closed circuit from the conductor 35 to the code rod ID as the conductor 35 alternately passes over the insulation pieces H and the conductive rings Ill The telephone circuit 69 has the usual switch 6| which is closed when the receiver is lifted off the hook. This circuit 60 is connected in series with a parallel circuit 62 connecting in parrallel the various coils of the solenoids 25 and then at the point 63 continuing in a series and connecting with the conductor 35, the depressed code rod l6, the plate 59, and the return of the telephone circuit 66. It should be noted that the telephone circuit will be interrupted and broken as the contact 35 passes over the various insulation pieces II, and this interruption is designed to set the dialing mechanism into operation and connect a number which is represented by the particular depressed code rod H].

The conductor 35 moves along its path because it is moved by the annular insulation member 36 which is driven by the screw 31. The screw 31 is driven by the motor 38 which is controlled in thefollowing way.

The source of electric power for the motor 38 is schematically represented by the battery 64 supplying the circuit 65. Included in series with the circuit 65 is a parallel connection of the combination switches 44 and then continuing in series, the reversing switch 39 which is arranged to reverse the direction of flow in the shunt 66 of the motor 38. Because the combination I switches 44 are arrangedin parallel in the series connection, the series circuit will be closed when any one of the switches 44 is closed. When one of the code rods ID is depressed one of the switches 44 will be closed and the circuit through the motor 38 is therefore closed to operate the motor. The motor will turn in a direction depending upon the position of the reversing switch 39, and this switch 39 will be in a position to cause the motor 38 to drive the screw 31 in a direction in which the annular insulation member 36 moves downwards. The motor will continue operating in this direction until one of the rods 53 strikes the handle 46 of the closed combination switch 44, opening the same. This stops the motor 38 and the. telephone number has been dialed, and when the connection is made the telephone conversation may proceed.

The parts remain in above said positions until the telephone circuit 60 is broken by the switch 6| which is open when the telephone receiver is replaced on the hook. When the telephone circuit is thus broken the solenoids 25 will be-- come deenergized and the springs 3| of the dash pots will slowly move out the cores 26. The purpose of the dashpots 28 is to dampen the actions of the solenoids 25 so that the depressed code rod I0 is not released by the solenoid cores 26 while the telephone circuit is being momentarily interrupted by the conductor 35 passing the insulation pieces I However, when the telephone circuit remains open for a suificient length of time the cores 26 of the solenoids will become fully retracted. The core'26 provided with the projection 56 will close the switch 49. This will restart the electric motor 33. However, the motor will now operate in a reverse direction because when the insulation member 36 reached its bottom-most position it engaged against the projection 43 and moved the rod 46 which threw the reversing switch 39 in the opposite direction.

The switch 49 is connected in series with the switch 5| and this series connections shunts the combination switches 44. Since the switch 5| is closed because the annular member 36 is down, and since the switch 49 is now closed by the projection 50, the motor 38 will start functioning. It will continue to function until the annular member'36 reaches its top position, at which instant it strikes the projection 42 of the rod 46 throwing the switch 39 back to its original position and setting the motor ready to operate in the opposite direction. However, at this instant the rod 52 opens the switch 5| and stops the motor 38. The motor 38 will remain stopped until another one of the code rods I0 is depressed. It is pointed out that when the cores 26 of the various means for the motor of said electric motor solenoids becam retracted',lthe depressed code the numbers designatedby the card in the frame 24 adjacent a button 22. When desired these numbers may easily be :changed by first removing the cover 2| and then screwing out any particular code rod I and replacing the metering rod with a new code rod in which the insulation pieces I l are arranged to control the dialing system'of the new number.

While I have illustrated and described the pre ferred embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise construction herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications coming within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus ,described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to. secure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. An automatic telephone dial system, comprising a plurality of selectively depressible code .rods of electric conductive material having a plurality of spaced insulation pieces along their lengths representing different telephone numbers, dashpot dampened solenoid operative means for catching and holding depressed any one of said code rods, an electric motor driven conductor for moving along the depressed code rod alternatively engaging portions of said rod and its insulation pieces, a telephone circuit including in series said depressed code rod and solenoid operative means and said conductor, reversing switch means for the motor of said electric motor driven contact for alternately reversing said motor when said contact reaches the ends of said code rod, stop switches for said motor when said contact reaches the bottom end of said code rod, a start switch for said motor operated by said dashpot damp-' 3. An' automatic telephone dial system, comprising a plurality'of selectively depressible code rods'of electric conductive material having a plurality of spaced insulation pieces along their,

lengths representing different telephone numbers, dashpot dampened solenoid operative meansv for catching and holding depressed any one of said code rods, an electric motor driven conductor for moving along the depressed code rod alterna-' tively engaging portions of said rod and its insulation pieces, a telephone circuit including in series said depressed code rod and solenoid operative means and said conductor, reversing switch means for the motor of saidelectric motor driven contact for alternately reversing said motor when said contac't'reaches the ends of said code rod,

stop switches for said motor when said contact reaches the bottom'end of said code rod, a start switch for said motor'operated by said' dashpot dampened solenoid operative means when the telephone circuit is broken more than a certain time interval, and another stop switch for said motor when said. contact reaches the top end of said metering rod, said code rods being removable for changing the numbers to be dialed, each code rod comprises a plurality of conductive rings separating said insulation pieces, said insulation pieces being of ring form.

tor for moving along the depressed code rod alternatively engaging portions of said rod and its insulation pieces, a telephone circuit including in series said depressed code rod and solenoid operative means and said conductor, reversing switch driven contact for alternately reversing said motor when said contact reaches the ends of said code rod,

' 3 stop switches for said motor when said contact reaches the bottom end of said code rod, a start switch for said motor operated by said dashpot dampened solenoid operative means when the telephone circuit is broken time interval, and another stop switch for said motor when said contact reaches the topend of said code rod, said code rods being removable for changing the numbers to be dialed.

more than a certain 4. An automatic telephone dial system, comprising a plurality of selectively depressible code rods of electric conductive material having a plurality of spaced insulation pieces along their lengths representing difierent telephone numbers, dashpot dampened solenoid operative means for catching and holding depressed any one of said code rods, an electric motor driven conductor for moving along the depressed code rod alternatively engaging portions of said rod and its insulation pieces, a telephone circuit including in series said depressed code rod and solenoid operative means and said conductor, reversing switch means for the motor of said electric motor driven contact for alternately reversing said motor when said contact reaches the ends of said code rod, stop switches for said motor when said contact reaches the bottom end of said code rod, a start switch for said motor operated by said dashpot dampened solenoid operative means when the telephone circuit is broken more than a certain time interval, and another stop switch for saidmotor when said contact reaches the top end of said code rod, said code rods being removable for changing the numbers to be dialed, each code-rod comprises a plurality of conductive rings separating said insulation pieces, said insulating pieces being of ring form, and .a nut for releasably holding said insulation pieces and conductive ring in position.

5. An automatic telephone dial system, comprising a plurality of selectively depressible code rods of electric conductive material having a plurality of spaced insulation pieces along their lengths representing different telephone numbers, dashpotdampened solenoid operative means for catching and holding depressed any one of said code rods, an electric motor driven conductor for moving along the depressed code rod alternatively engaging portions of said rod and its insulation pieces, a telephone circuit including in series said depressed code rod and solenoid operative means and said conductor, reversing switch means for the motor of said electric motor driven contact for alternately reversing said motor when said contact reaches the ends of said code rod, stop switches for said motor when said contact reaches the bottom end of said code rod, a start switch for said motor operated by said dashpot dampened solenoid operative means When the telephone circuit is broken more than a certain time interval, and another stop switch for said motor when said contact reaches the top end of said code rod, said dashpot dampened solenoid operative means including solenoids the cores of which are con-- nected with dashpots.

6. An automatic telephone dial system, comprising a plurality of selectively depressible code rods of electric conductive material having a plurality of spaced insulation pieces along their lengths representing different telephone numbers, dashpot dampened solenoid operative means for catching and holding depressed any one of said code rods, an electric motor driven conductor for moving along the depressed code rod alternatively engaging portions of said rod and its insulation pieces, a telephone circuit including in series said depressed code rod and solenoid operative means and said conductor, reversing switch means for the motor of said electric motor driven contact for alternately reversing said motor when said contact reaches the ends of said code rod, stop switches for said motor when said contact reaches the bottom end of said code rod, a start switch for said motor operated by said dashpot dampened solenoid operative means when the telephone circuit is broken more than a certain time interval, and another stop switch for said motor when said contact reaches the top end of said code rod, said reversing switch means including a reversing switch and an operator rod moved by said driven conductor as the conductor reachesthe ends of its stroke.

JOSEPH LOBEL. 

